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Due to a number of external factors, but certainly also due to some wrong business decisions, the Chrysler group was in dire straits in the late 1970s. It was high time for new models that met the changing market demand. In other words: relatively compact and economical models. That became the Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant. But when development was complete, there was not even the budget to actually put them into production….

Rescue of Chrysler

Thanks in part to a financial bailout from the government, production finally took place, but once again management made a mistake. On the production lines, the focus was mainly on the more luxurious versions, while customers wanted the simpler models. Once the production in the factories was adjusted, things really took off: in the end both cars together (in nine years) produced just over 2.1 million units.

Identical twins

The Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant were virtually identical apart from the logos. Both were available as two- and four-door sedans and station wagons. Despite being quite a bit smaller than predecessors Dodge Aspen and Plymouth Volaré, a compact build with transverse engine and front-wheel drive ensured that it could still seat six people as usual. Yes, six, because there was also a bench seat up front as standard, rather than individual seats.

Engines Dodge Aries

New 2.2- and 2.6-liter (later 2.5-liter) four-cylinders provided propulsion. Depending on the year and engine choice, shifting was via a three-speed automatic or a four- or five-speed manual transmission.

Facelift for the Dodge Aries

After a facelift for the 1985 model year, the Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant remained in production through the 1989 model year. The cars were then succeeded by the Plymouth Acclaim and Dodge Spirit, which had even more of a (relatively) European slant.

The spotted specimen

Shortly after each other, we came across this 1987 Dodge Aries LE in different places in Hoorn. The car is equipped with the 2.2-liter base engine and apart from some minor spots on the bumper, it still looks like new. That’s quite an unusual achievement, since the Aries and Reliant were not usually bought by people who cherished the cars. Fortunately, this example and its owners are an exception.

The Dodge Aries in the Netherlands

Because of its affordability and practicality, the Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant were a success in America. The Dodge version was also delivered in the Netherlands, but here the market position was different. Yes, for an American car it was quite economical. But those who just wanted inexpensive transportation had more interesting options to choose from. Those who wanted an American preferred a larger “real” American if at all possible. So the Dodge Aries fell a bit between shore and ship.

We do not have original sales numbers in the Netherlands, but at the moment only ten Dodge Aries are registered. These are almost all “survivors,” or original Dutch cars. Only (two) early examples came to our country via import, and no one at all bothered to import a Plymouth Aries.